Software component substitution based on rule compliance for computing device context

ABSTRACT

A method includes: determining an encryption level associated with an application installed on a computing device; determining a context in which the computing device is operating, wherein determining the context comprises identifying a geographic location of the computing device; determining at least one rule associated with the context, wherein determining the at least one rule comprises identifying a security policy corresponding to allowed encryption levels associated with the identified geographic location of the computing device; determining whether the encryption level associated with the application installed on the computing device meets the allowed encryption level associated with the one rule; and in response to determining that the encryption level associated with the application installed on the computing device does not meet the allowed encryption level associated with the one rule, causing at least one action on the computing device to meet the allowed encryption level associated with the one rule.

FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

At least some embodiments disclosed herein relate to changes on a computing device associated with use of software components, and more particularly, but not limited to software component substitution, modification, and/or other actions based on determining a lack of compliance with one or more rules associated with computing device operation.

BACKGROUND

Some governments have laws regulating a certain maximum level of encryption in their territories. For example, China is a difficult environment for cryptography use and regulation. Importation and exportation of cryptography products are both highly regulated. Encryption is regulated primarily by the National Commission on Encryption Code Regulations (NCECR). Encryption products cannot be sold or imported in China without prior approval by NCECR. Furthermore, individuals and firms in China can only use cryptography products approved by the NCECR. This also applies to foreign individuals and firms operating in China, who must report details of their encryption systems to the NCECR.

The international standard for wireless connectivity, used worldwide, is the 802.11 standard of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). However, in 2003, the Chinese government announced the creation of a new Chinese standard for wireless LAN security (the WLAN Authentication and Privacy Infrastructure (WAPI)) and stated that wireless LAN (or Wi-Fi) systems sold in China would have to conform to the WAPI, not the 802.11, standard. Further, foreign companies that wished to sell Wi-Fi devices in China would have to co-produce their products with designated Chinese firms.

The WAPI standard was opposed by international IT firms, which viewed it as a protectionist tool used by the Chinese government. Another reason for opposing WAPI, however, was the fear that the domestic cryptography standard would create a functional key escrow system that would allow the Chinese government access to encrypted communications.

Restrictions on cryptography can affect companies operating in international markets that want to use cryptography to protect their data and communications; and also individuals in countries with restrictions on use of cryptography. Also, varying cryptography regulations worldwide place substantial burdens on information technology and security firms looking to move into new markets.

Restrictions on importation and use of cryptography can affect the operations of multinational firms in various ways. Network managers for firms in the West often design encryption technologies into their voice and data networks to protect the contents of their telephone calls, emails, documents, etc. When they use these same technologies abroad, they must tailor their systems to the restrictions of each country in which they operate, or they may violate local laws and regulations. This challenge is amplified when laws are unclear or inconsistently enforced, which is common in many developing countries.

For example, Chinese encryption regulations are often vague. Companies can expect the Chinese government to ask for details about the encryption that is being used—in addition to requiring them to appoint an encryption contact who will give the government the encryption keys when asked. Also, if a user encrypts data in China, the user has to provide the Chinese government the ability to access the keys. Because of such restrictions, many businesses do not use encryption in China, even if cryptography is a normal component of their IT infrastructure elsewhere. Also, in Russia the Federal Agency of Governmental Communications and Information has issued regulations requiring government approval to use encryption.

Restrictions on the import and use of cryptography affect businesses in several ways. If firms cannot use encryption devices to secure their data and communications in a given country, then their data in that country is put at risk. The situation is worse where regulations are unclear and inconsistently applied.

In addition to using cryptography to protect data as described above, mobile phones also are often managed using mobile application management to regulate some aspects of phone operation. For example, a user may be an employee of a firm that manages operations on the user's mobile phone using mobile application management implemented by a firm server.

Mobile application management (MAM) generally relates to software and services for provisioning and controlling access to internally developed and commercially available mobile apps used in business settings on both company-provided and “bring your own” smartphones and tablet computers.

Enterprise mobile application management is increasingly important due to the widespread adoption and use of mobile applications in business settings. The “bring your own device” (BYOD) phenomenon makes mobile application management more important, with personal PC, smartphone and tablet use in business settings (vs. business-owned devices) significantly increasing. Mobile application management enables corporate IT staff to download required applications, control access to business data, and remove locally-cached business data from the device if it is lost, or when its owner no longer works with the company. A growing demand for mobile apps from employees is prompting organizations to broaden beyond mobile device management to managing a growing number of mobile applications.

An end-to-end MAM solution can provide the ability to control the provisioning, updating and removal of mobile applications via an enterprise app store, monitor application performance and usage, and remotely wipe data from managed applications.

Mobile device management (MDM) is an industry term for the administration of mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops and desktop computers. MDM is usually implemented with the use of a third party product that has management features for particular vendors of mobile devices.

MDM functionality can include over-the-air distribution of applications, data and configuration settings for all types of mobile devices, including mobile phones, smartphones, tablet computers, mobile printers, mobile POS devices, etc. Most recently laptops and desktops have been added to the list of systems supported. MDM tools are used for both company-owned and employee-owned (BYOD) devices across the enterprise or mobile devices owned by consumers. Consumer demand for BYOD is now requiring a greater effort for MDM and increased security for both the devices and the enterprise to which they connect. By controlling and protecting the data and configuration settings for all mobile devices in a network, MDM can reduce support costs and business risks.

With mobile devices becoming commonplace and increased numbers of applications becoming available for mobile devices, mobile monitoring is growing in importance. Numerous vendors help mobile device manufacturers, content portals and developers test and monitor the delivery of their mobile applications. This testing is done in real-time by simulating the action of thousands of customers and detecting and correcting bugs in the applications.

Typical solutions include a server component, which sends out the management commands to the mobile devices, and a client component, which runs on the mobile device and implements the management commands.

Central remote management uses commands sent over the air to mobile device handsets. An administrator at a mobile operator, an enterprise IT data center or a handset OEM can use an administrative console to update or configure any one handset, group or groups of handsets. The Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) has specified a platform-independent device management protocol called OMA Device Management. It is supported by several mobile devices, such as PDAs and mobile phones.

Over-the-air programming (OTA) capabilities are a component of mobile network operator and enterprise-grade mobile device management software. These include the ability to remotely configure a single mobile device, an entire fleet of mobile devices or any IT-defined set of mobile devices; send software and OS updates; remotely lock and wipe a device; and do remote troubleshooting. OTA commands are sent as binary messages, which are messages including binary data.

Mobile device management software enables corporate IT departments to manage the many mobile devices used across the enterprise; consequently, over-the-air capabilities are in high demand. Enterprises using OTA as part of their MDM infrastructure demand high quality in the sending of OTA messages. Present day MDM solutions offer both Software as a Service (SaaS) and on-premises models.

Mobile device management software can provide some degree of control and visibility for an administrator of mobile devices. IT managers ensure that mobile devices comply with their organization-specific IT policies and that the correct configuration is pushed to devices. Mobile device management software can permit users to self-enroll over-the-air. In addition to automatically configuring corporate policies and controls, IT can automatically setup WiFi, VPN and Exchange ActiveSync configurations on mobile devices.

An administrator (admin) defines and deploys policies for an organization. The admin may choose from a set of policy controls over password, device encryption, camera, Wi-Fi, VPN, etc. If a device is lost, stolen, retired or replaced, the admin can wipe data from the device to reduce the chance of data loss.

The admin can control and manage various devices from a single console. In some cases, MDM software can support a wide array of mobile devices, operating systems and technologies including Apple iOS, Apple Watch, Android, Windows Pro, Window Phone and Samsung KNOX. Whether Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), Corporate-Owned, Personally-Enabled (COPE) devices or a combination of both are utilized, customizable policies ensure the right policies are applied to the right device.

In one example, MDM software can support use cases including business users, remote workers, highly-sensitive users, shared devices, and kiosks. The MDM software can be deployed using a fully cloud-based deployment.

SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION

Systems and methods for software component substitution, modification, and/or other actions based on determining a lack of compliance with one or more rules associated with computing device operation are described herein. Various embodiments are described below.

In one embodiment, a method includes: determining a context in which a computing device is operating; determining at least one rule associated with the context; determining whether the computing device is in compliance with the at least one rule; and in response to determining that the computing device is in violation of the at least one rule, causing at least one action.

The disclosure includes various methods and devices which perform the above methods and systems, including data processing systems which perform these methods, and computer readable media containing instructions which when executed on data processing systems cause the systems to perform these methods.

Other features will be apparent from the accompanying drawings and from the detailed description which follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings in which like references indicate similar elements.

FIG. 1 shows a system for determining whether a computing device is in compliance with one or more rules associated with the context in which the computing device is operating, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a system for determining a context in which a computing device is operating using a monitoring server, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a computing system for monitoring a mobile device for compliance with one or more rules associated with an operating context, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a computing device (e.g., a monitoring server, or an administrator server) which can be used in various embodiments.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a computing device (e.g., a mobile device of a user, or a user terminal), according to one embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a method for performing one or more actions in response to determining that a computing device is in violation of one or more rules associated with a context in which the computing device is operating, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding. However, in certain instances, well known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. References to one or an embodiment in the present disclosure are not necessarily references to the same embodiment; and, such references mean at least one.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but not other embodiments.

At least some embodiments below relate to software component substitution, modification, and/or other actions that are performed when a determination has been made that a computing device is operating in a way that violates one or more rules associated with a current context in which the computing device is operating.

As an example of a violation, consider a mobile phone located in the United States that uses strong encryption and is operating in compliance with security regulations of the United States. However, the same encryption when performed by the mobile phone in China may be operating in violation of the security regulations of China. This may occur, for example, if a person travels by plane from the United States to China, but no changes in the configuration of the person's phone are made. The risk of a violation is particularly higher if no changes are made to encryption software on the phone. This creates the technical problem of needing to configure the mobile phone as a person travels. Often, this is difficult to implement. Further, the user of the phone often is not aware of changing regulations, and/or is not able to anticipate future countries or other regions of travel. Further, the user is not able to track numerous security regulations or other rules around the world.

In one example, the provider of WhatsApp software has announced that it has implemented end-to-end encryption. It is expected that various governments around the world will require the provider of WhatsApp software to provide a back door, or a less robust form of encryption when the WhatsApp software is used within the territory of the respective government (e.g., China or Russia). In this scenario, a technical problem exists in that content was encrypted with a stronger encryption in a first territory, but now the user carries the device into a second territory, which requires a weaker encryption. The problems include uncertainty whether the user will be properly aware of or notified about the need for a software change (or other device re-configuration) to weaker encryption. The problems also include uncertainty about whether the device should behave differently when it detects that it has moved from the first territory to the second territory.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure discussed below provide one or more technological solutions to the above technical problems. In one embodiment, depending on the location of a device (e.g., the device's geographic location), an application or other software component on the device is dynamically substituted or modified to be compliant with local regulatory requirements (e.g., requirements regarding cryptography and/or privacy, etc.). In one example, a first security component of the application is switched for a second security component using weaker encryption.

In one embodiment, upon detection of movement of a mobile communications device into a new territory that requires, for example, weaker encryption and/or a backdoor, one or more actions are performed. For example, the detection could occur based on pre-existing knowledge stored in the device (e.g., the device itself determines it has entered the new territory). For example, the device can receive a message (e.g., from a monitoring server) that indicates the device has entered the new territory.

In various embodiments, the actions performed can include one or more of the following:

-   -   Notify the user of the mobile communications device about the         new condition or situation (e.g., presence of the mobile device         in a new territory that requires different operational         configuration of the mobile device due to regulations, and/or         network policies, etc.).     -   Implement a policy resident on the mobile communications device         to replace a component of an application. For example,         substitute the encryption and decryption module(s) on the         device. These substitute modules may have been pre-programmed         and already be resident on the device, or can be received from a         network in response to determining the new condition or         situation (e.g., a violation by the device when operating in a         new context).     -   Re-encrypt content associated with an application according to a         new standard associated with the present context of the device.         In one example, data stored with strong encryption is decrypted         and re-encrypted to a weaker encryption standard. In another         example, traffic can be blocked entirely at an illegal         encryption level based on the geographic location of the mobile         device.     -   Replace a component of an application. For example, substitute         the encryption and decryption modules. For example, this can be         done without reference to a policy resident on the mobile         communications device. For example, the substitution can be done         even if it is inconsistent with a user-specified preference or         policy on the device if necessary to comply with local         security-related regulations of a country. These substitute         modules may have been pre-programmed on the device, or can be         received from a network on real-time demand for their need.     -   For third-party applications that incorporate a security SDK         functionality, inform the developer of the third-party         application about the potential or actual substitution of an SDK         security component (e.g., to be performed in response to         determining a violation of regulations of a new territory in         which the device is operating or present). In one example, as an         option, wait for authorization from the third-party application         (or a server of the developer) prior to substituting the         component.     -   Replace a component of an application to substitute encryption         or decryption modules, and/or redirect received traffic to a         security server. For example, if a first user is using         application A on her mobile device in country A and the security         policy associated with country A does not permit the encryption         level at which application A is operating, then a component on         application A can be replaced to meet the country A's legal         encryption level. However, the first user could send data to a         second user who is in country B where he is using application A         without the replaced component. The application A on the second         user's mobile device may not allow the second user to receive         data below the standard encryption level for application A. The         replacement component of application A can be configured to         transmit the outbound data to a security server which can be         encrypt the data sent from modified application A to unmodified         application A, then send the encrypted data to unmodified         application A. The replacement component of application A can         also require that data sent to the modified application A first         be decrypted (or decrypted, then encrypted according to the         security policy) before being sent to the modified         application A. In at least one embodiment, the security server         can decrypt and/or encrypt data according to different security         policies associated with two or more applications modified         according to the different security policies.

The embodiments set forth herein can be implemented using a wide variety of different types of computing devices. As used herein, examples of a “computing device” include, but are not limited to, a server, a centralized computing platform, a system of multiple computing processors and/or components, a mobile device, a user terminal, a vehicle, a personal communications device, a wearable digital device, an electronic kiosk, a general purpose computer, an electronic document reader, a tablet, a laptop computer, a smartphone, a digital camera, a residential domestic appliance, a television, or a digital music player. Additional examples of computing devices include devices that are part of what is called “the internet of things” (IOT). Such “things” may have occasional interactions with their owners or administrators, who may monitor the things or modify settings on these things. In some cases, such owners or administrators play the role of users with respect to the “thing” devices. In some examples, the primary mobile device (e.g., an Apple iPhone) of a user may be an administrator server with respect to a paired “thing” device that is worn by the user (e.g., an Apple watch).

FIG. 1 shows a system for determining whether a computing device is in compliance with one or more rules 116 associated with the context in which the computing device is operating, according to one embodiment. For example, the computing device is a user terminal or a mobile device.

In FIG. 1, user terminals (e.g., 141, 143, . . . , 145) and/or mobile devices (e.g., 147, 149) are used to access, communicate, and/or interact with monitoring server 150, application marketplace 123 (e.g., an Android or Google Play store or marketplace, or an enterprise application store), and/or a service provider 170 over a communication network 121 (e.g., the Internet, a wide area network, a local network, or other wired or wireless communications network). Network 121 may be used to download and remotely install applications selected from marketplace 123 (e.g., using Google Play or the Android Market). Marketplace 123 may include one or more web servers (or other types of data communication servers) to communicate with the user terminals (e.g., 141, 143, . . . , 145) and mobile devices 147, 149. Each of these applications may initiate or originate an access request for a service provided by service provider 170.

Specifically, mobile device 149 may download a new application 1013 from application marketplace 123, service provider 170, or a developer server (not shown). In one embodiment, an application obtained from the developer server is signed using a signing certificate. In one embodiment, the application obtained from the application marketplace 123 is signed using a signing certificate (e.g., using the same signing certificate used by the developer server).

New application 1013 has components 104 and 106. Application 1013 may generate an access request (e.g., for access to a service provided by service provider 170) that is transmitted to a server (e.g., transmitted using a series of computing devices originating with mobile device 149). In one embodiment, the access request is sent by mobile device 149 to monitoring server 150, which forwards a communication regarding the request to service provider 170.

In one embodiment, component 104 is a software component (e.g., a security component, or security software 2207 of FIG. 2 below) that generates or obtains data regarding a risk configuration of a computing device (e.g., a risk configuration of mobile device 149, on which a user initiates a request for access). For example, a user action in a user interface displayed on mobile device 149 causes component 104 to initiate an access request for a service provided by a computing device of service provider 170. The access request is transmitted to monitoring server 150, which can perform a security evaluation of a configuration of mobile device 149 based on various factors (e.g., as part of determining a context of mobile device 149 operation).

Mobile device 149 stores a user policy 108. The new application 1013 may be compared to user policy 108 during or after installation. In one example, monitoring server 150 includes a data repository of policies as rules 116 (e.g., user policies required by an admin server). User policy 108 of mobile device 149 may be compared to policies 116. An administrator server (not shown) may provide some policies in policies 116 (e.g., as regards usage of or installation of applications onto mobile device 149). In one embodiment, it is determined that user policy 108 is not in compliance with the current state of rules 116 when applied to the currently-determined context of the mobile device 149.

The user policy 108 is stored locally in a memory of mobile device 149. In one embodiment, during operation, user policy 108 may be used to define the handling of components 104 and 106 on mobile device 149. In one embodiment, a user policy for mobile device 149 may alternatively (or in addition to user policy 108) be stored as one of policies 116 on the monitoring server 150 and/or an identity provider (not shown). A user or administrator policy may be enforced on mobile device 149 using either a local user policy or a remote user policy, or a combination thereof.

An administrator can define and deploy policies for an organization. In some embodiments, the organization may be a family or other social group, and the administrator role may be performed by a parent or guardian, or may be performed by a third party service provider. Such a third party service provider may be a provider of security services, the network operator, and/or a provider of content services. The additional levels of protection and control that organizations such as enterprises desire can also be advantageous for consumers, but consumers are typically not knowledgeable enough to perform administrator roles. Thus, there is often a need for third party service providers to act as technically-oriented admins. The consumer or parent or guardian as an admin may specify preferences corresponding to high-level policy decisions, and a technical admin can configure underlying services to meet these high-level policy decisions. An administrator or admin as used in this disclosure includes, but is not limited to, all such administrators (e.g., technical admin, consumer, parent, guardian, service provider, etc.) as described in this paragraph.

In one example, a component is a part of an application (e.g., an application that is installed by a user from an Android or other software application marketplace and then executes on a mobile device). In one example, a component is provided by the application's creator or by a third party. In another example, the component may be code provided by an ad network or an analytics network.

In one example, applications installed on a mobile device are monitored. Applications that encrypt data can be identified, along with a level of encryption that is used by each application. This identification and corresponding level is stored for each application. This information can also be updated when a new application is installed, and/or when an application update is applied. For example, at a later time, this stored information can be used to determine which of the installed applications are affected by one or more security policies that currently apply (e.g., a security policy that applies for the current device location).

In yet another example, components are linked libraries/SDKs that are packaged within an application. This is code that is within the application, but the code is developed by a third party and provides the ability for an application developer to integrate certain behaviors of that component into the developer's application (e.g., displaying a certain type of ads from a certain ad network such as LeadBolt). In one example, monitoring of context and/or substitution or modification of components based on such monitoring as described herein is integrated as a security component into a developer's or other entity's application. In another example, a set of data (e.g., in a file or a database) that is used by an application may be considered as a component of that application. Also, in some examples, data used by an application can be considered as known or unknown, or trusted or untrusted.

In one embodiment, a user policy (e.g., user policy 108) based on component behavior may be enforced on the user's computing device. For example, the user policy may require that there be no applications that send location to an advertising network. In another example, the user policy may require that no applications send identifiers to an advertising network. In one embodiment, it is determined that the context of the computing device is associated with rules 116. It is further determined that one or more actions authorized and/or permissions granted by the computing device, such as under the user policy, are inconsistent with the rules 116 associated with the present context of the computing device.

In one embodiment, monitoring server 150 monitors the context in which one or more computing devices is operating. For example, monitoring server 150 determines a context in which user terminal 141 and/or mobile device 149 is operating.

In at least one embodiment, security software (e.g., security software 2207 or security component 1412) dynamically monitors a context of a mobile device. For example, the context can include the location of the mobile device, the current level of permitted encryption, and/or the corresponding legal level of encryption required for the current location of the mobile device.

In one embodiment, in response to determining that the mobile device is operating above or below the legal encryption level associated with the location, the encryption level of the mobile device is adjusted to operate in accordance to an encryption policy for the current location. In various examples, the location can include a country, a state, a building, physical premises associated with an organization, a network, etc.

In one example, an enterprise may require all network communication from devices connected to its network to be encrypted. In this example, the context of the user mobile device can be identified as being connected to the enterprise network, and the security policy associated with the device (e.g., the security policy currently implemented for applications installed on the device) can be compared to the security policy of the enterprise.

After determining the context in which, for example, mobile device 149 is operating, monitoring server 150 determines one or more rules 116 associated with the context. For example, monitoring server 150 determines a geographic location of mobile device 149. This location is used to determine rules 116 that are applicable to operation of mobile device 149 for that determined location.

In another example, monitoring server 150 determines a network to which mobile device 149 is connected or accessing. Based on the determined network, monitoring server 150 determines rules 116 that are applicable to usage of the network. For example, rules 116 that apply to the network may be one or more policies associated with use of the service provided by the network. In one example, the policies are provided by service provider 170. In one example, the policies are provided by an enterprise that manages mobile device 149, which is used by, for example, an employee of the enterprise.

After determining the rules applicable to the present context of the mobile device 149, monitoring server 150 determines whether the computing device is in compliance with the applicable rules. For example, the rules applicable to the present context may include requirements regarding security processing on the mobile device 149. Monitoring server 150 may determine, for example, that encryption and decryption modules on mobile device 149 do not comply with applicable requirements regarding security processing.

In response to determining that the computing device is in violation of one or more applicable rules above, monitoring server 150 performs one or more actions. In one example, the actions include one or more actions as described above for the detection of movement of a mobile communications device into a new territory.

In one embodiment, the actions performed by monitoring server 150 include modifying or substitute a component of software on mobile device 149. For example, component 106 on application 1013 can be substituted for a new component. The new component can be sent from monitoring server 150 to mobile device 149, or may already be present on mobile device 149. In one embodiment, the new component can be sent from another computing device, such as service provider 170, or from a developer server.

In one embodiment, the new component to be used for substitution is selected from a set of software components. The new component is selected at least based on its being compliant with the applicable rules to the present context. For example, the new component can be selected based on the geographic location, which corresponds to the applicable rules for the present context.

In one embodiment, the actions performed by monitoring server 150 include sending a communication to mobile device 149 to cause a display of a warning to the user. In one example, the warning indicates that security software on the mobile device 149 is in violation of regulations for the territory in which the mobile device is currently operating.

In one embodiment, mobile device 149 itself makes a determination of the applicable rules for the current context of operation. For example, mobile device 149 can store a table including geographic locations and corresponding rules that are applicable when the mobile device is in the geographic location. Mobile device 149 can perform actions in response to determining a violation using this table without requiring communication with monitoring server 150. In another embodiment, mobile device 149 communicates with monitoring server 150 after determining the violation.

In one embodiment, monitoring server 150 determines that mobile device 149 is lost or stolen. In one embodiment, this determination is made in response to determining a context in which mobile device 149 is operating. For example, it may be determined that the context is inconsistent with usage by the authorized user. For example, the context may indicate that the mobile device 149 is lost or stolen. In one example, the user sends a communication to monitoring server 150 to report that the mobile device 149 is lost or stolen.

In one embodiment, in response to determining that the mobile device is lost or stolen, one or more actions are performed. For example, monitoring server 150 can reduce service to the mobile device, deny service to the mobile device, and/or require authentication by the mobile device. The authentication required can be more stringent than normally required of the authorized user.

In one embodiment, if monitoring server 150 authorizes access to a service by mobile device 149, server 150 sends a communication over network 121 to service provider 170 regarding authorizing access to the service. In one embodiment, server 150 determines a risk level for mobile device 149 and includes this risk level in the communication to service provider 170. In one embodiment, determining the risk level is part of determining the context of operation for mobile device 149.

In one embodiment, when component 104 makes a request for access to the service, the request is first sent to service provider 170. Then, service provider 170 forwards the access request to monitoring server 150. Monitoring server 150 performs a security evaluation of risk factors associated with mobile device 149. In one embodiment, the risk factors are used to determine the context of the mobile device 149. If the evaluation determines that the configuration is not secure and/or that mobile device 149 is currently operating in violation of one or more rules 116, server 150 blocks access by mobile device 149 to the service.

In one embodiment, the security evaluation is based on data received from the mobile device 149. At least a portion of this data can be sent to service provider 170 along with a result of the security evaluation. In one embodiment, this data is received from component 104, or from another software component such as component 106 that is on mobile device 149. The data sent to monitoring server 150 is obtained from the mobile device using this software component.

In one embodiment, the security evaluation by server 150 includes determining a source of application 1013, component 104, and/or component 106. In one embodiment, the security evaluation includes evaluating authenticity of software on mobile device 149 and/or analyzing at least one component installed or otherwise stored on mobile device 149.

In one embodiment, the security evaluation determines an extent of security risk for mobile device 149 based on a plurality of factors. The extent of access to the service provided to mobile device 149 is based on this extent of security risk.

In one embodiment, the security evaluation determines that a risk configuration of mobile device 149 passes a security threshold. If the threshold is passed, server 150 sends a communication to service provider 170 regarding the passed security threshold. This communication may include data obtained from mobile device 149 and used in the security evaluation above.

In one embodiment, a token is generated for mobile device 149. This token includes data that encodes a risk level determined from the security evaluation. The token is provided to mobile device 149 by monitoring server 150 or another computing device such as service provider 170. The risk level and/or data obtained and used in the security evaluation is provided to service provider 170 to configure the service provided to mobile device 149. In one embodiment, service provider 170 uses the risk level and/or data from the security evaluation to determine a risk state associated with providing the service to mobile device 149.

The service may be dynamically reconfigured periodically and/or in real-time as subsequent security evaluations are performed for mobile device 149. Also, if the risk state fails a threshold determination, then the user of mobile device 149 may be alerted by a display or other communication on mobile device 149 that the service is blocked. In addition, the user may be requested to take remedial action using mobile device 149 and/or another computing device of the user.

In one embodiment, if it is determined by monitoring server 150 in a security evaluation or as part of a context determination, performed after a user has started receiving a service, that a risk level associated with mobile device 149 exceeds a threshold or is otherwise un-trusted, then an open session of the user with the service from service provider 170 can be closed. Also, any token of mobile device 149 indicating a healthy or safe configuration of the device can be revoked or destroyed. This prevents further access to the service by the device. In one embodiment, if access to a service is terminated as just described, an identity provider can be notified of the change by monitoring server 150. Also, a level of access to the service can be decreased based on the newly-determined risk level, instead of terminating all access to the service.

In one embodiment, if it is determined by monitoring server 150 that mobile device 149 is not configured correctly or adequately for a present context as determined by a risk level, various actions may be taken. For example, mobile device 149 may be instructed to take a photo that is uploaded to server 150, acquire a device location and upload to server 150, and/or erase sensitive data on mobile device 149. Other examples include disabling login credentials, instructing the user how to remediate the problem, allowing login by the user, but denying access to certain services, revoking a token already in use by the device, and/or changing a password for the service.

In one embodiment, data used in a context determination or security evaluation by monitoring server 150 is extracted from one or more communications received from mobile device 149, and/or from service provider 170. In some cases, such communication can be the communication that includes the access request. In other cases, the communication is received prior to or subsequent to receiving the access request.

In one embodiment, the access request is generated by application 1013, which is executing on mobile device 149. Performing the security evaluation includes determining the authenticity of application 1013, for example as discussed below.

In one embodiment, the security evaluation can include assessing a context of a user of mobile device 149. This context can be determined by various factors including a location of mobile device 149, a device location for at least one prior login made by the user (e.g., a prior login to the service), an event associated with the presence of the user on a computing device other than mobile device 149 (e.g., this other device may be a tablet, a laptop, or a watch device of the user), or credentials associated with the user that have become unsecure (e.g., credentials that have been identified from monitoring of the dark web).

In one embodiment, mobile device 149 is associated with a domain. Monitoring server 150 performs an evaluation using data from one or more prior communications received by monitoring server 150. These prior communications may be provided from other computing devices associated with the domain.

In one embodiment, access to the service from service provider 170 requires that a software component is installed on mobile device 149. In response to determining that the software component is not installed, the communication is sent to the mobile device requesting installation of the software component. After sending this communication, monitoring server 150 determines whether the software component is properly installed on mobile device 149. If so, server 150 sends a communication to cause service provider 170 or an identity provider to authorize or grant access to the service.

In various embodiments, access to a service provided by service provider 170 is conditioned on a successful evaluation of various risk-based factors. Mechanisms that may be used to authenticate a device, user, and/or application by monitoring server 150 include one or more of the following: requiring that an SSL client certificate be supplied for each access request by mobile device 149, evaluating authentication factors provided from network connection establishment (e.g., Wi-Fi, VPN, cellular, etc.) by mobile device 149, or evaluating authentication factors provided from establishment of a network tunnel or proxy connection for mobile device 149.

In various embodiments, factors used in a context determination or a security evaluation by monitoring server 150 to allow or deny access to a service are now described below:

1. Various device factors associated with mobile device 149 include determining whether the device is compromised, such as whether an operating system is compromised, whether the device is up-to-date, such as whether a vulnerable operating system version is in use. Further factors include determining a presence of malware, or determining whether the device has a secure configuration. For example, determining whether a bad SSL root identified for certificate authorities is installed on the device, an anomalous VPN/proxy is identified, whether device encryption enabled, and/or whether a pin code is enabled. Further factors include evaluating hardware-backed authentication associated with mobile device 149. For example, determining whether a device key is stored in a secure enclave, or whether a server provides a nonce which mobile device 149 signs with hardware to prove presence of hardware-stored key.

2. Various user factors may be used in the security evaluation. These factors may include biometric factors such as a fingerprint, or knowledge-based factors such as whether a user of mobile device 149 is able to answer knowledge-based questions (e.g., about the user's background or prior life or work activities).

3. Various application factors may be used in the security evaluation. These factors may include determining whether application 1013 on mobile device 149 is an authorized or allowed version of the application. For example, whether the application is the official enterprise application or an unofficial version. Also, these factors include determining whether the application is up-to-date, such as whether there is a known vulnerability in this particular application.

4. Various context factors may be used in the security evaluation. These factors may include determining a location of device 149, other recent user logins and respective devices/locations associated with these logins, and/or other user-present events (e.g., a badge in, CCTV facial recognition, Wi-Fi connections, and Bluetooth beacon detections).

In one embodiment, monitoring server 150 collects data from the device and sends the data to a cloud back-end server system accessible to server 150 in order to compare the collected data to other data that monitoring server 150 has collected. Types of data collected include, for example, an application inventory of all apps installed on the device, version numbers for the apps, and what are the hashes and unique identifiers associated with those applications. Monitoring server 150 fingerprints the filesystem of the device (e.g., firmware, etc.) and calculates a fingerprint for the device so monitoring server 150 can determine when a device is running modified firmware or other (improperly) modified software.

In one embodiment, monitoring server 150 collects information regarding how the network is behaving (e.g., the network communication path between monitoring server 150 and mobile device 149, or communications by mobile device 149 with other computing devices). For example, monitoring server 150 runs a series of behavioral tests on each network to which mobile device 149 connects (e.g., whether the device is sending potentially hack-able communications to random or unknown servers; whether there been any attempt to downgrade the TLS or other secure version of protocol being used for communication; and/or whether the certificates that the device is receiving from these requests are valid, etc.).

In one embodiment, at least a portion of data associated with the security evaluation by monitoring server 150 is sent to service provider 170. The service provider can configure a policy regarding the type of data that is sent by monitoring server 150 (e.g., using a console provided to the service provider by monitoring server 150). Use of this policy can group the device based on the evaluated data into a risk class (e.g., high-risk or low-risk). Monitoring server 150 only communicates to service provider 170 the class of risk based on the previously-determined or configured policy (e.g., using the console) of the service provider.

In one embodiment, all of the functions above are provided, but instead of using a separate client application on the device, the attestation functionality is provided via an SDK that controls the active application in the device directly. In other words, a software component is a part of the active application on the device that makes the request for access to the service.

In one embodiment, one or more SDK components are present in an application. Monitoring server 150 determines that the application is in violation of rules 116 based on the context determination. In response, monitoring server 150 causes modification or substitution of the one or more SDK components on mobile device 149.

In one embodiment, the analysis functions performed by the monitoring server 150 can be done via an SDK that is injected into a client application that the user is currently using on the user's device. One example is an identity provider (e.g., Okta has an app that facilitates single sign-on using a user device). The Okta app can include an SDK that incorporates the security evaluation functionality above so that the app can make risk decisions itself instead of having to consult another application or computing device.

In one embodiment, a use case is a business-to-consumer use case. For example, a bank can decide that before customers are permitted to login to a banking application, or attempt to initiate a large balance transfer, the monitoring server checks the risk level of the device. The bank can require that the user install an application that incorporates or uses the security evaluation discussed above.

In one embodiment, there are cases where the monitoring server determines that a device should not be trusted without first requiring installation of a client application on the device. For example, based on headers received by the monitoring server, it is determined that the device is running an older operating system that is deemed as being unacceptably old. So, a security evaluation does not necessarily require consulting a client application on the user device. There are cases where the monitoring server can make a decision not to trust the device (e.g., solely from a SAML request) even though no client application is on the device.

In one embodiment, a user of mobile device 149 is attempting to log into a service at the domain service.com provided by service provider 170. The user enters her username and password. Based on the user entering her e-mail address or the domain name of the e-mail address, service provider 170 redirects this access request to an identity provider (e.g., an identity sign-on provider such as the Okta service). The user then provides her username and password to the identity provider. In one example, this communication occurs over protocols like SAML 2.0 (Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) is an XML-based data format for exchanging authentication and authorization data). In one embodiment, SAML chaining is used with multiple identity providers that all consult each other before a user can log in.

In one embodiment, the service request to service.com is made by an application on mobile device 149 that is associated with service.com. This application is configured to communicate with monitoring server 150 when an access request is made to the service.com domain. Monitoring server 150 is configured to communicate with the identity provider if server 150 determines that the device is in a secure state. If server 150 determines that the device is insecure, server 150 can request that the user remediate any issue identified.

In one embodiment, monitoring server 150 checks that a device is free of threats and is compliant with a corporate policy corresponding to service provider 170. Regarding vulnerabilities and this policy, these can be configured by service provider 170 based on the service provider's desired risk threshold. For example, for the risk of an operating system version that is too old, the service provider sets the policy as to whether the service provider wants to prevent access to that device. In other cases, regarding behavior and configuration, a determination can be made whether the application running on the device is compliant with policy, whether the way that the device is configured is compliant with policy, whether there is a passcode set, etc.

In one embodiment, the level of risk as determined by the security evaluation leads to access to some services, but not to other services. For example, access to some resources may be permitted, but not to other resources (e.g., resources required to send money). The determined level of risk is used to set the level of access provided to the service.

FIG. 2 shows a system for determining a context in which a computing device is operating using monitoring server 150, according to one embodiment. For example, monitoring server 150 determines a context for mobile device 2201, similarly as discussed above for mobile device 149.

In one embodiment, mobile device 2201 accesses network 172 over communication network 121. For example, mobile device 2201 accesses a service provided via network 172. In one embodiment, an application on mobile device 2201 is obtained from developer server 160. In one example, the application includes an SDK component related to security, which is modified or substituted in response to determining a violation associated with the context of mobile device 2201.

Mobile device 2201 includes memory 2212 that stores a table 2213 and/or stored data 2215. Table 2213 includes a list of geographic locations and corresponding rules associated with each location.

Stored data 2215 may have been previously stored using a strong encryption. In response to determining that mobile device 2201 is in violation of one or more rules of table 2213, stored data 2215 is decrypted and then re-encrypted using a weaker security encryption process.

Mobile device 2201 includes security software 2207. For example, security software 2207 communicates with monitoring server 150. Security software 2207 collects data from one or more sensors of mobile device 2201 as part of determining a context. One or more of the sensors can be related to determining a geographic location of mobile device 2201.

Security software 2207 also may determine one or more permissions 2217 that have been configured on mobile device 2201, such as by the user. Security software 2207 reports one or more of these permissions 2217 to monitoring server 150.

Mobile device 2201 includes applications 2209 and components 2211. Applications 2209 are an example of application 1013. Components 2211 are an example of components 104 or 106. Components 2211 can be stored on mobile device 2201 for use in future modification or substitution into or with one or more applications 2209. For example, a component 2211 can be used to substitute a component of an application 2209 in response to determining that mobile device 2201 is in violation of a rule 116 and/or a rule in table 2213.

In some embodiments, the manner of usage and/or behavior of an application on a computing device can be monitored and this can be part of a context determination for the computing device. The usage or behavior of components of the application on the device that are inconsistent with a user or administrator-designated policy can be identified. In such event, the source of the application and/or use of the application can be deemed as untrusted or in violation of a rule 116.

There are various examples of policies that may be used on mobile or other computing devices. For example, a user policy may define the handling of components 104 and 106 on mobile device 149. A policy may be defined by behavioral preferences established by a user and/or an administrator, and this policy is enforced on new applications installed on the mobile device. In another example, a policy may apply to a particular identified application.

In other examples, policies may be defined and applied to control or restrict the behavior of applications and their components. This can include the identification of advertising networks and defining policies to permit various opt-out actions for these advertising networks.

Although FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary system implemented in client-server architecture, embodiments of the disclosure can be implemented in various alternative architectures. For example, the monitoring server 150 may be implemented via a peer to peer network of user terminals in some embodiments, where applications and data/information from mobile devices are shared via peer to peer communication connections.

In some embodiments, a combination of client server architecture and peer to peer architecture can be used, in which one or more centralized servers may be used to provide some of the information and/or services and the peer to peer network is used to provide other information and/or services. Thus, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to a particular architecture.

In an embodiment, an enterprise risk level is determined, for sharing security risk information between enterprises by identifying a security response by a first enterprise and then sharing the security response to a second enterprise when a relationship database profile for the first collection indicates the security response may be shared. Methods are also provided for determining whether to allow a request from an originating device where the request may have been initiated by a remote device. In one embodiment, the security risk information is used in the security evaluation performed (e.g., by the monitoring server 150 of FIG. 1 above or by another computing device) in response to the access request above. In one embodiment, data obtained from a mobile communications device is evaluated by the monitoring server 150 of FIG. 1 above to determine if granting the device access to a service presents a security threat.

In one embodiment, aggregated information is used in the security evaluation above. In one embodiment, a method is provided for passing aggregated information, such as source information, along with an access request. In the embodiment, aggregated information may be used to determine whether to allow an attempt to access a resource. The aggregated information may include, for example, user authentication information and source information, and source information may include, for example, information about the state of the initiating and originating computing devices, attributes or identifies of applications being used in the access attempt, and similar information from any intermediate (“intervening” or “chained”) application or computing device that is part of the access attempt.

The aggregated information may be passed with the access request in a number of ways, including, for example: as SAML security assertion extensions, as additional HTTP headers, or via a separate flow. In a further example, a single sign-on (SSO) provider (or Identity Services Provider) may piggyback the aggregated information onto an access request (or responses), and security components on computing devices in the access request chain may add their contributions to the aggregated information in the SSO information flow.

In one embodiment, responses to an access request other than or in addition to “allow” and “deny” are allowed. For example, if the access request related to running an application on the destination computing device and the associated source information indicted that a computing device in the series was untrusted, security component 6735 c may allow the request in a limited fashion (e.g., run with output quarantined), or deny the request and initiate or suggest to the user the uninstallation of the target application.

In one embodiment, a secure platform enables mobile devices, such as a cell phones, smartphones, or PDAs, to have relationships with services or service providers that are controlled by the state of security on each device. In one example, the platform is comprised of a server that receives data from security software on a mobile device regarding the device's security state. The platform enables access to a service to be granted, denied, or limited based on the security state of the mobile device. The platform may provide two-way communications between a mobile device and a service so that the platform can enforce access security both from the client to the service and from the service to the client. Furthermore, the platform allows services or service providers to evaluate the security state of a device independently of using the platform to communicate with the device.

In one embodiment, a system provides, by a software component on a computing device (e.g., for components on any one or more devices in a series of devices transmitting an access request, as discussed above), a dynamic assessment of a security state of a computing device (e.g., this assessment may be performed by the monitoring server 150 of FIG. 1 above). Here, the user of a mobile communications device may request access to a service provider. This may be where the user attempts to access a banking service or other network based service using software installed on a handset. This request may be managed by a server, which receives the request from the computing device. The server may access a database or other memory to determine whether it has updated security state information for the device. If not, then, this security state information is obtained from the device. Once obtained, the security state for the device may be assessed. If the security state is acceptable, then the device may have access to the service provider. If the device security state is unacceptable, then access may be limited or denied. The acceptability of a device's security state and the level of access to the mobile communications device may be set, for example, by the service provider. In various embodiments, the access control as described by U.S. Pat. No. 8,087,067 may be used to control access to the service provided by service provider 170 of FIG. 1 above.

In one embodiment, the security evaluation performed above (e.g., by the monitoring server 150 of FIG. 1 above) is a security assessment. This security assessment is displayed in various formats on the mobile device display or on a client computer. A security component identifies security events on the mobile device that are processed on the mobile device or by a server. The security component then determines a security assessment for the mobile device based upon the detected security events. The security assessment display may be persistent in the form of a desktop widget or dashboard on a client computer, or home-screen item on the mobile device. This allows a user or administrator to verify that security protection on the device is functioning and to be alerted if the device needs attention without having to specifically seek the information, thereby enabling immediate response to potential security problems.

In one embodiment, a method evaluates security during an interactive service operation by a mobile communications device and includes launching, by a mobile communications device, an interactive service configured to access a server over a network during an interactive service operation, and generating a security evaluation based on a plurality of trust factors related to a current state of the mobile communications device, to a security feature of the application, and/or to a security feature of the network. When the security evaluation is generated, an action is performed based on the security evaluation. In one embodiment, the monitoring server 150 above performs an evaluation, including use of a threshold as described therein. In one embodiment, these plurality of trust factors are included in the first data above received by the monitoring server 150 for use in the evaluation.

FIG. 3 shows a computing system for monitoring a mobile device 1405 for compliance with one or more rules associated with an operating context, according to one embodiment. In one example, the one or more rules are selected from one or more of policies 1416 and/or policies 1342. In one embodiment, monitoring server 1408 monitors mobile device 1405 for compliance with policies 1416. Monitoring server 1408 is an example of monitoring server 150. For example, policy manager 1406 is software on monitoring server 1408 used to monitor this compliance.

In one embodiment, monitoring server 1408 also optionally can manage permissions associated with one or more computing devices, according to one embodiment. Monitoring server 1408 executes policy manager 1406 to manage permissions associated with various computing devices including mobile device 1405. Monitoring server 1408 stores policies 1416 in memory (not shown). Policies 1416 are implemented by policy manager 1406 on mobile device 1405.

In one embodiment, policies 1416 correspond to an enterprise policy. Permissions 1409 for various software on mobile device 1405 are maintained by policy manager 1406 to be in compliance with policies 1416. In one example, admin server 1310 transmits data regarding policies 1342 to monitoring server 1408, which data is used to update policies 1416 as regards acceptable permissions for mobile device 1405. In one embodiment, mobile device management software 1311 is executed by admin server 1310 and is used to manage mobile device 1405 along with other computing devices.

In one embodiment, monitoring server 1408 determines a change of context for mobile device 1405. For example, monitoring server 1408 may determine that mobile device 1405 is attempting to connect to network 1404. In another example, monitoring server 1408 may determine that mobile device 1405 is attempting to install software from application marketplace 1402.

In response to determining the change of context, monitoring server 1408 determines whether mobile device 1405 is in violation of one or more policies 1416 associated with a new context of mobile device 1405 and/or determines a configuration of permissions 1409. In response, monitoring server 1408 can revoke one or more permissions for software on mobile device 1405 based on the change of context. Security component 1412 resides on mobile device 1405 and can be used to revoke or deny permissions on mobile device 1405. In one embodiment, security component 1412 also can implement changes to a configuration 1410 of operating system 1320. In one embodiment, security component 1412 uses one or more application programming interfaces (APIs) 1322 in order to make modifications to operating system 1320. In one embodiment, these APIs permit security component 1412 to, in response to determining that mobile device 1405 is in violation of one or more rules, modify or substitute component 1324 or 1326 of application 1316.

At a later time, monitoring server 1408 determines a change of context for mobile device 1405 to a different context. For example, the change of context may be termination of access to network 1404. In response to determining this change of context, monitoring server 1408 causes restoring of a permission for software on mobile device 1405. In one example, the permission restored can be a permission that was previously revoked when mobile device 1405 accessed network 1404.

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of a computing device 201 (e.g., monitoring server 150, 1408, or administrator server 1310), which can be used in various embodiments. While FIG. 4 illustrates various components, it is not intended to represent any particular architecture or manner of interconnecting the components. Other systems that have fewer or more components may also be used. In an embodiment, an monitoring server, an administrator server, an authenticity server, or an identity provider may each reside on separate computing systems, or one or more may run on the same computing device, in various combinations.

In FIG. 4, computing device 201 includes an inter-connect 202 (e.g., bus and system core logic), which interconnects a microprocessor(s) 203 and memory 208. The microprocessor 203 is coupled to cache memory 204 in the example of FIG. 4.

The inter-connect 202 interconnects the microprocessor(s) 203 and the memory 208 together and also interconnects them to a display controller and display device 207 and to peripheral devices such as input/output (I/O) devices 205 through an input/output controller(s) 206. Typical I/O devices include mice, keyboards, modems, network interfaces, printers, scanners, video cameras and other devices which are well known in the art.

The inter-connect 202 may include one or more buses connected to one another through various bridges, controllers and/or adapters. In one embodiment the I/O controller 206 includes a USB (Universal Serial Bus) adapter for controlling USB peripherals, and/or an IEEE-1394 bus adapter for controlling IEEE-1394 peripherals.

The memory 208 may include ROM (Read Only Memory), and volatile RAM (Random Access Memory) and non-volatile memory, such as hard drive, flash memory, etc.

Volatile RAM is typically implemented as dynamic RAM (DRAM) which requires power continually in order to refresh or maintain the data in the memory. Non-volatile memory is typically a magnetic hard drive, a magnetic optical drive, or an optical drive (e.g., a DVD RAM), or other type of memory system which maintains data even after power is removed from the system. The non-volatile memory may also be a random access memory.

The non-volatile memory can be a local device coupled directly to the rest of the components in the computing device. A non-volatile memory that is remote from the computing device, such as a network storage device coupled to the computing device through a network interface such as a modem or Ethernet interface, can also be used.

In one embodiment, a computing device as illustrated in FIG. 4 is used to implement monitoring server 150, application marketplace 123, service provider 170, administrator server 1310, and/or other servers.

In another embodiment, a computing device as illustrated in FIG. 4 is used to implement a user terminal or a mobile device on which an application is installed or being installed. A user terminal may be in the form, for example, of a notebook computer or a personal desktop computer.

In some embodiments, one or more servers can be replaced with the service of a peer to peer network of a plurality of data processing systems, or a network of distributed computing systems. The peer to peer network, or a distributed computing system, can be collectively viewed as a computing device.

Embodiments of the disclosure can be implemented via the microprocessor(s) 203 and/or the memory 208. For example, the functionalities described can be partially implemented via hardware logic in the microprocessor(s) 203 and partially using the instructions stored in the memory 208. Some embodiments are implemented using the microprocessor(s) 203 without additional instructions stored in the memory 208. Some embodiments are implemented using the instructions stored in the memory 208 for execution by one or more general purpose microprocessor(s) 203. Thus, the disclosure is not limited to a specific configuration of hardware and/or software.

FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of a computing device (e.g., a mobile device of a user or a user terminal), according to one embodiment. In FIG. 5, the computing device includes an inter-connect 221 connecting the presentation device 229, user input device 231, a processor 233, a memory 227, a position identification unit 225 and a communication device 223.

In FIG. 5, the position identification unit 225 is used to identify a geographic location. The position identification unit 225 may include a satellite positioning system receiver, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, to automatically identify the current position of the computing device.

In FIG. 5, the communication device 223 is configured to communicate with a server to provide data, including application data (e.g., an application identifier and a source identifier for a newly-sourced application). In one embodiment, the user input device 231 is configured to receive or generate user data or content. The user input device 231 may include a text input device, a still image camera, a video camera, and/or a sound recorder, etc.

FIG. 6 shows a method for performing one or more actions in response to determining that a computing device is in violation of one or more rules associated with a context in which the computing device is operating, according to one embodiment. For example, the method of FIG. 6 can be implemented in the system of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3.

The method of FIG. 6 can be performed by processing logic that can include hardware (e.g., processing device, circuitry, dedicated logic, programmable logic, microcode, hardware of a device, integrated circuit, etc.), software (e.g., instructions run or executed on a processing device), or a combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the method of FIG. 6 is performed at least in part by one or more processors of monitoring server 150 of FIGS. 1 and 2, or server 1408 of FIG. 3. In one embodiment, monitoring server 1408 is implemented using the processors and memory of FIG. 4 or 5.

Although shown in a particular sequence or order, unless otherwise specified, the order of the processes can be modified. Thus, the illustrated embodiments should be understood only as examples, and the illustrated processes can be performed in a different order, and some processes can be performed in parallel. Additionally, one or more processes can be omitted in various embodiments. Thus, not all processes are required in every embodiment. Other process flows are possible.

At block 601, a context in which a computing device is operating is determined. For example, monitoring server 150 determines a context in which mobile device 149 is operating.

At block 603, at least one rule associated with the context is determined. For example, monitoring server 150 determines one or more rules 116 that are associated with the context of mobile device 149.

At block 605, it is determined whether the computing device is in compliance with the at least one rule. For example, monitoring server 150 determines whether mobile device 149 is in compliance with one or more rules 116.

At block 607, in response to determining that the computing device is in violation of at least one rule, at least one action is caused. For example, monitoring server 150 determines that mobile device 149 is in violation of one or more rules 116. In response, monitoring server 150 performs one or more actions. For example, the action can be sending a communication to mobile device 149 and/or to another computing device, such as a computing device of service provider 170. For example, the action can be modification or substitution of one or more components on mobile device 149. In one example, the components relate to encryption and/or decryption. In one example, application 1013 is repackaged by monitoring server 150 or service provider 170 and sent to mobile device 149 for installation.

In one embodiment, a method comprises: determining a context in which a computing device (e.g., mobile device 2201) is operating; determining at least one rule (e.g., rules 116) associated with the context; determining whether the computing device is in compliance with the at least one rule; and in response to determining that the computing device is in violation of the at least one rule, causing at least one action.

In one embodiment, the at least one action comprises modifying or substituting a component (e.g., one or more of components 2211) of software on the computing device.

In one embodiment, the computing device is a first computing device, and modifying or substituting the component of the software includes receiving, by the first computing device, a modified or substitute component from a second computing device.

In one embodiment, the at least one action comprises selecting a first software component or application that is compliant with the at least one rule when executed on the computing device.

In one embodiment, the first software component is selected from a plurality of software components on the computing device, the context includes a geographic location, and the first software component is selected based on the geographic location.

In one embodiment, the at least one action comprises sending a communication to the computing device that causes display of a warning regarding the violation to a user of the computing device.

In one embodiment, the computing device stores first data (e.g., stored data 2215) using a first security process, the first data is stored in violation of the at least one rule, and the at least one action comprises: decrypting the first data to provide decrypted data; and encrypting the decrypted data using a second security process to provide second data that is compliant with the at least one rule when stored on the computing device.

In one embodiment, the at least one rule is associated with at least one of a cryptographic requirement or a privacy requirement.

In one embodiment, determining the context comprises determining a geographic location of the computing device.

In one embodiment, determining the context comprises determining a network (e.g., network 172) being accessed by the computing device.

In one embodiment, the computing device is a first computing device (e.g., mobile device 2201); determining whether the first computing device is in compliance with the at least one rule is performed by a second computing device (e.g., monitoring server 150); and the at least one action is caused by the second computing device.

In one embodiment, the computing device stores a table (e.g., table 2213) comprising rules and corresponding geographic locations, and determining the at least one rule comprises using, by the computing device, the determined context to look up the at least one rule in the table.

In one embodiment, the computing device is a first computing device; the first computing device determines, based on a communication from a second computing device, that a first software component on the first computing device is in violation of the at least one rule; and the at least one action comprises: substituting the first software component with a second software component obtained from the second computing device, or modifying the first software component to be compliant with the at least one rule.

In one embodiment, the computing device is a first computing device (e.g., mobile device 2201), and the at least one rule is a policy (e.g., rules 116) enforced by a second computing device (e.g., monitoring server 150) on a plurality of computing devices including the first computing device.

In one embodiment, the policy is a first policy (e.g., policies 1416), the first computing device stores a second policy that is in conflict with the first policy regarding compliance of a software component with the at least one rule, and the at least one action comprises modifying or substituting the software component consistent with the first policy.

In one embodiment, the computing device stores a policy, and the at least one action comprises modifying or substituting a component of software on the computing device consistent with the policy.

In one embodiment, the computing device is a first computing device, and the at least one action comprises sending, by a second computing device, a communication to the first computing device that indicates the violation, and the method further comprises: receiving, by the second computing device, a confirmation of the communication from the first second computing device; and in response to receiving the confirmation, causing, by the second computing device, substitution or modification of a software component on the first computing device.

In one embodiment, a system comprises: at least one processor; and memory storing instructions configured to instruct the at least one processor to: determine a context in which a computing device is operating; determine at least one rule associated with the context; determine whether the computing device is in compliance with the at least one rule; and in response to determining that the computing device is in violation of the at least one rule, cause at least one action.

In one embodiment, the context includes a geographic location, and the instructions are further configured to instruct the at least one processor to: determine that the computing device is lost or stolen; wherein the at least one action includes at least one of reducing service to the computing device, denying service to the computing device, or requiring authentication from the computing device.

In one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium stores computer-readable instructions, which when executed, cause a first computing device at least to: determine a context in which a second computing device is operating; determine at least one rule associated with the context; determine whether the second computing device is in compliance with the at least one rule; and in response to determining that the second computing device is in violation of the at least one rule, cause at least one action.

In one embodiment, a method comprises: determining at least one encryption level for applications installed on a computing device; determining a context in which the computing device is operating, wherein determining the context comprises identifying a geographic location of the computing device; determining at least one rule associated with the context, wherein determining the at least one rule comprises identifying a security policy, the security policy corresponding to allowed encryption levels associated with the identified geographic location of the computing device; determining whether the computing device is in compliance with the at least one rule; and in response to determining that the computing device is in violation of the at least one rule, causing at least one action.

In one embodiment, determining the at least one encryption level for applications installed on the computing device comprises determining a security policy being implemented by the computing device for the installed applications.

In one embodiment, the computing device is a first computing device, and the at least one rule comprises a first policy enforced by a second computing device on a plurality of computing devices including the first computing device.

In one embodiment, modification or substitution of a component is implemented by an installed application and is permitted by the operating system on the device. For example, the operating system provides an API or interface that can be used by security component 1412 to make the substitution in real-time.

In one embodiment, an alternative to a real-time substitution of component (e.g., such as discussed above) can include one or more of the following actions. In one example, these actions can be performed by an application developer or by an application marketplace. The alternative actions include:

-   -   Repackaging an application and doing the substitution of         component during the repackaging (e.g., the repackaging can be         done by monitoring server 150 or mobile device 149).     -   Choosing a different application (e.g., which already includes         the substituted component, such as via repackaging above) to         execute (e.g., if a user of mobile device 149 is launching), or         warning a user to launch the different application instead.     -   Choosing a different application to download from an application         store (e.g., application marketplace 123). In one example, the         different application is chosen to download based on the         different application already including the desired substituted         component. In one example, the different application chosen can         additionally and/or alternatively be based on the location of         the mobile device.     -   When more than one version of a component or an application are         installed on a computing device, then dynamically choosing which         one of the component or application to use depending on the         determined geographic context (or alternatively advising a user         to launch the other component or application version). In one         example, the application developer (or other computing device         that is controlling a substitution) can automatically switch to         the other component or application if it is more appropriate or         complies with respect to the current geographic context. In one         embodiment, monitoring server 150 determines the component or         application that is most appropriate and sends a communication         to service provider 170 or another computing device indicating         this choice. The service provider 170 or other computing device,         such as a developer server, causes the switching to the other         component or application on mobile device 149.

In some cases, a computing device can be lost or stolen. Service providers (e.g., banks, or other financial providers) need to know if a device being used to access their service (e.g., via an app or browser) has been stolen, so that the service provider can take appropriate action (e.g., deny service, reduce service level, require additional authentication, etc.). Also, when a device is lost or stolen, a device user can be concerned about the fact that the user has a sensitive app on the device (e.g., a banking app). Also, the service provider may be concerned that a lost or stolen device could be used to perform fraudulent transactions. In some examples, the service provider is a cloud storage provider, or a network-accessible service provider.

In the physical world, if a user loses a credit or debit card, the user can report the loss of the card to the card issuer. In the cyber/mobile world, a financial or payment or banking app may involve the same or greater risk of financial loss to the device user, or the financial service provider, or both. Thus, there is a need for a digital counterpart to the “report a lost card” functionality.

A device can enter a lost/stolen mode, for example, via several paths. For example, a user can report a device as lost or stolen by using a website or other computing system interface to report the device as lost or stolen. For example, a user can contact a carrier for the device, interact with the carrier's customer care support function, and report the device as lost or stolen. The customer care support representative may be using a special access to a software interface to mark the device as lost or stolen.

In one embodiment, at a server (e.g., monitoring server 150), a device is marked as being lost/stolen (e.g., marked in a record of a database). The server can include a list of sensitive apps (e.g., banking apps) which are installed on the device. The server transmits a notification to the organization (e.g., the bank) responsible for the application, that a user which has their organization's app on the user's device has reported the device lost or stolen.

In one embodiment, the service provider receives the notification. Optionally, a service can be suspended or require additional authentication steps to perform a transaction.

In one embodiment, the user has recovered a phone which had previously been marked as lost/stolen. For example, the user is prompted “this device had been marked as lost/stolen; if you have recovered it please enter your password to mark this device as recovered.”

In one embodiment, at a server, a request is received to mark a previously-lost/stolen device as recovered. A notification is transmitted to service provider(s) associated with app(s) on the device that the device has been recovered. In one embodiment, the security level can be set back to normal authentication requirements, or service can be restored if it had been suspended.

In one embodiment, the mobile device (e.g., mobile device 149) was being used as an authenticator (e.g., a FIDO authenticator which stores per-site key pairs) prior to being lost or stolen. A security server in the cloud (e.g., monitoring server 150) has been previously notified or otherwise has knowledge of which sites the mobile device had used FIDO registration for (e.g., such notification having occurred any time from the time of registration or later). After a device has been determined to be lost (e.g., reported as such or otherwise determined as lost or stolen), one or more such sites (e.g., service provider 170) or cloud services for which the mobile device was a FIDO authenticator can be notified as to the fact that the device is lost or stolen. In one embodiment, this functionality is an SDK component used by a third party developer in their mobile app or other software (e.g., a banking or payment app).

In one embodiment, a software application on mobile device 2201 itself determines that mobile device 2201 is operating in violation of one or more rules 116. The software application then initiates a component substitution. The component can be pre-installed on mobile device 2201, or can be downloaded from monitoring server 150 or another computing device over a communication network 121. In addition, the user of mobile device 2201 is provided a notification of the violation and/or the component substitution. In one embodiment, the user provides an approval for the component substitution. In one embodiment, the component substitution is performed automatically without requiring user approval. In one embodiment, the user has pre-authorized the component substitution.

In one embodiment, mobile device 2201 determines that it has changed locations to a new territory. For example, the definition of a new territory can be predetermined and stored in a table of data in memory 2212. In response to determining the change of location, mobile device 2201 sends a request to monitoring server 150. In response, monitoring server 150 sends a communication causing mobile device 2201 to perform one or more actions, such as discussed above. The communication may also include data regarding rules 116 and/or a violation of these rules when operating in the new territory.

In one embodiment, the communication to mobile device 2201 indicates that no application is available that will comply with local regulatory requirements. In one embodiment, the communication indicates operational functional aspects and/or risks associated with using a new substitute component in the new territory. For example, the communication may indicate that data is more likely to be intercepted or stolen due to weaker encryption.

In one embodiment, in response to determining a violation, monitoring server 150 re-wraps an application with substitute components, and then sends the rewrapped application to mobile device 2201. In one example, the application will be functionally the same application, but with one or more of the components substituted.

In one embodiment, mobile device 1405 enters a new territory. Application 1316 is managed by MDM software 1311. Monitoring server 1408 determines that operation of application 1316 in the new territory violates one or more of policies 1342. In response, monitoring server 1408 causes security component 1412 to disable application 1316. In one embodiment, application 1316 itself makes a determination to become inactive when detecting that mobile device 1405 has entered the new territory.

In one embodiment, application 1316 communicates to MDM software 1311 that mobile device 1405 has entered a new territory. Monitoring server 1408 or admin server 1310 determines that operation of application 1316 in the new territory violates one or more of policies 1416 or policies 1342. In response to this determination, one or more actions are performed. For example, security component 1412 can disable application 1316, or blackhole network traffic to or from application 1316.

In one embodiment, based on a determination that operation of an application will violate at least one rule, mobile device 1405 provides a warning notification by display in a user interface. In one embodiment, this warning notification is provided in response to an attempt by user to launch an application, or shortly after launching the application. In one embodiment, a notification is provided to the user indicating an alternative application that can be downloaded by the user, or that is already present on mobile device 1405.

In one embodiment, mobile device 1405 includes a FIDO (Fast IDentity Online) authenticator. In one example, the FIDO authenticator is implemented by an application on mobile device 1405. In one embodiment, in response to determining a context for mobile device 1405, one or more websites and/or other computing devices for which the phone has been registered as an authenticator is notified by communication over communication network 121. For example, the notification can indicate that mobile device 1405 has been reported as, or is believed to be, lost or stolen.

In one embodiment, behavioral and/or structural characteristics of a component present in a new application may be identified. This may be, for example, an application 1013 that has been installed on mobile device 149. These characteristics may be inputs to a context determination above.

In one embodiment, there are various ways to identify characteristics that are actually present in a component of an application. In one embodiment, information is gathered from an application on a mobile device for further processing at a server. According to this embodiment, information that has been gathered is then used for component analysis at the identity provider (discussed above) in order to identify characteristics of a component.

In another embodiment, behavioral characteristics may be determined or collected using other approaches. For example, behavior may be determined based on network traffic (e.g., SMS, IP) data, or based on the code source of a given behavior (e.g., a class name or a package name responsible for geo-locating, or a fingerprint of a code segment responsible for sending SMS traffic).

In various other embodiments, the results from component identification for applications on a device are presented to the user. The user may provide input in a user interface to define or update a user policy based on this component identification. For example, the user may opt-out of an identified component.

In an embodiment, a system can provide advisement about applications on mobile devices such as smartphones, netbooks, and tablets. A server gathers data about mobile applications, analyzes the applications, and produces an assessment that may advise users on a variety of factors, including security, privacy, battery impact, performance impact, and network usage. Users are helped to understand the impact of applications to improve the experience in using their mobile device. A server is enabled to feed information about applications to other protection systems such as application policy systems and network infrastructure. Advisement about applications can be presented in a variety of forms, such as through a mobile application, as part of a web application, or integrated into other services via an API. The data gathered by the server may be used, for example, as one or more inputs in the plurality of inputs for evaluating the first application as described herein. Also, some of the forms of advisement discussed may be used, for example, in providing notifications to the user and/or to developers or others regarding evaluations of software authenticity.

In one embodiment, security evaluation and scoring is related to a plurality of trust factors For example, some of the trust factors may be used as inputs when evaluating application authenticity.

In one embodiment, there are different interfaces provided for different users to provide information from an authenticity server or otherwise about a result from an evaluation of a mobile device or of the authenticity of software. For the user (e.g., user of a mobile device), there may just be a warning provided (e.g., a popup that states that an application is not authentic). An alternative is a notice that indicates (e.g., an authentication seal that appears in the lower right-hand corner of a window) to the user that this is an authentic application. As one example, a user is presented and sees an authentication seal when a banking application is being installed by the user on its mobile device.

CLOSING

In this description, various functions and operations may be described as being performed by or caused by software code to simplify description. However, those skilled in the art will recognize what is meant by such expressions is that the functions result from execution of the code by a processor, such as a microprocessor. Alternatively, or in combination, the functions and operations can be implemented using special purpose circuitry, with or without software instructions, such as using an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) or a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Embodiments can be implemented using hardwired circuitry without software instructions, or in combination with software instructions. Thus, the techniques are limited neither to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software, nor to any particular source for the instructions executed by a computing device.

While some embodiments can be implemented in fully functioning computers and computer systems, various embodiments are capable of being distributed as a computing product in a variety of forms and are capable of being applied regardless of the particular type of machine or computer-readable media used to actually effect the distribution.

At least some aspects disclosed can be embodied, at least in part, in software. That is, the techniques may be carried out in a computing device or other system in response to its processor, such as a microprocessor, executing sequences of instructions contained in a memory, such as ROM, volatile RAM, non-volatile memory, cache or a remote storage device.

Routines executed to implement the embodiments may be implemented as part of an operating system, middleware, service delivery platform, SDK (Software Development Kit) component, web services, or other specific application, component, program, object, module or sequence of instructions referred to as “computer programs.” Invocation interfaces to these routines can be exposed to a software development community as an API (Application Programming Interface). The computer programs typically comprise one or more instructions set at various times in various memory and storage devices in a computer, and that, when read and executed by one or more processors in a computer, cause the computer to perform operations necessary to execute elements involving the various aspects.

A machine readable medium can be used to store software and data which when executed by a computing device causes the device to perform various methods. The executable software and data may be stored in various places including for example ROM, volatile RAM, non-volatile memory and/or cache. Portions of this software and/or data may be stored in any one of these storage devices. Further, the data and instructions can be obtained from centralized servers or peer to peer networks. Different portions of the data and instructions can be obtained from different centralized servers and/or peer to peer networks at different times and in different communication sessions or in a same communication session. The data and instructions can be obtained in entirety prior to the execution of the applications. Alternatively, portions of the data and instructions can be obtained dynamically, just in time, when needed for execution. Thus, it is not required that the data and instructions be on a machine readable medium in entirety at a particular instance of time.

Examples of computer-readable media include but are not limited to recordable and non-recordable type media such as volatile and non-volatile memory devices, read only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory devices, removable disks, magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media (e.g., Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD ROMS), Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs), etc.), among others. The computer-readable media may store the instructions.

The instructions may also be embodied in digital and analog communication links for electrical, optical, acoustical or other forms of propagated signals, such as carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc. However, propagated signals, such as carrier waves, infrared signals, digital signals, etc. are not tangible machine readable medium and are not configured to store instructions.

In general, a tangible or non-transitory machine readable medium includes any mechanism that provides (e.g., stores) information in a form accessible by a machine (e.g., a computer, network device, personal digital assistant, manufacturing tool, any device with a set of one or more processors, etc.).

In various embodiments, hardwired circuitry may be used in combination with software instructions to implement the techniques. Thus, the techniques are neither limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software nor to any particular source for the instructions executed by a computing device.

Although some of the drawings illustrate a number of operations in a particular order, operations which are not order dependent may be reordered and other operations may be combined or broken out. While some reordering or other groupings are specifically mentioned, others will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art and so do not present an exhaustive list of alternatives. Moreover, it should be recognized that the stages could be implemented in hardware, firmware, software or any combination thereof.

In the foregoing specification, the disclosure has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will be evident that various modifications may be made thereto without departing from the broader spirit and scope as set forth in the following claims. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than a restrictive sense. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: determining an encryption level associated with an application installed on a first computing device; determining a context in which the first computing device is operating, wherein determining the context comprises identifying a geographic location of the first computing device; determining at least one rule associated with the context, wherein determining the at least one rule comprises identifying a security policy corresponding to allowed encryption levels associated with the identified geographic location of the first computing device; determining, by a second computing device, whether the encryption level associated with the application installed on the first computing device meets the allowed encryption level associated with the one rule; sending, by the second computing device, a communication to the first computing device indicating that the encryption level associated with the application installed on the first computing device does not meet the allowed encryption level associated with the one rule; receiving, by the second computing device, a confirmation of the communication from the first computing device; and in response to receiving the confirmation, causing, by the second computing device, at least one action on the first computing device to meet the allowed encryption level associated with the one rule, wherein the at least one action comprises modifying or substituting a software component on the first computing device.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein modifying or substituting the software component includes receiving, by the first computing device, a modified or substitute component from the second computing device.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the software component is substituted for a new software component, and the at least one action further comprises selecting the new software component to be compliant with the at least one rule when executed on the first computing device.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the new software component is selected from a plurality of software components on the first computing device, and the new software component is selected based on the geographic location.
 5. The method of claim 1, further comprising causing display of a warning to a user of the first computing device that the encryption level associated with the application installed on the first computing device does not meet the allowed encryption level associated with the one rule.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first computing device stores first data using a first security process, the first data is stored in violation of the at least one rule, and the at least one action further comprises: decrypting the first data to provide decrypted data; and encrypting the decrypted data using a second security process to provide second data that is compliant with the at least one rule when stored on the first computing device.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one rule is associated with at least one of a cryptographic requirement or a privacy requirement.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the encryption level associated with the application installed on the first computing device comprises determining a security policy being implemented by the first computing device for the installed application.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the context further comprises determining a network being accessed by the first computing device.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first computing device stores a table comprising rules and corresponding geographic locations, and wherein determining the at least one rule further comprises using, by the first computing device, the determined context to look up the at least one rule in the table.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein: the first computing device determines, based on the communication sent by the second computing device, that the software component on the first computing device is in violation of the at least one rule; and modifying or substituting the software component comprises: substituting the software component with a new software component obtained from the second computing device, or modifying the software component to be compliant with the at least one rule.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one rule comprises a first policy enforced by the second computing device on a plurality of computing devices including the first computing device.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first computing device stores a second policy that is in conflict with the first policy regarding compliance of the software component with the at least one rule, and wherein the software component is modified or substituted to be compliant with the first policy.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the first computing device stores a first policy, and wherein the software component is modified or substituted consistent with the first policy.
 15. A system comprising: at least one processor; and memory storing instructions configured to instruct the at least one processor to: determine an encryption level associated with an application installed on a computing device; determine a context in which the computing device is operating, wherein determining the context comprises identifying a geographic location of the computing device; determine at least one rule associated with the context, wherein determining the at least one rule comprises identifying a security policy corresponding to allowed encryption levels associated with the identified geographic location of the computing device; determine whether the encryption level associated with the application installed on the computing device meets the allowed encryption level associated with the one rule; send a communication to the computing device indicating that the encryption level associated with the application installed on the computing device does not meet the allowed encryption level associated with the one rule; receive a confirmation of the communication from the computing device; and in response to receiving the confirmation, cause at least one action on the computing device to meet the allowed encryption level associated with the one rule, wherein the at least one action comprises modifying or substituting a software component on the computing device.
 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the instructions are further configured to instruct the at least one processor to: determine that the computing device is lost or stolen; and reduce service to the computing device, deny service to the computing device, or require authentication from the computing device.
 17. The system of claim 15, wherein determining the encryption level associated with the application installed on the computing device comprises determining a security policy being implemented by the computing device for the installed application.
 18. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-readable instructions, which when executed, cause a first computing device at least to: determine an encryption level associated with an application installed on a second computing device; determine a context in which the second computing device is operating, wherein determining the context comprises identifying a geographic location of the second computing device; determine at least one rule associated with the context, wherein determining the at least one rule comprises identifying a security policy corresponding to allowed encryption levels associated with the identified geographic location of the second computing device; determine whether the encryption level associated with the application installed on the second computing device meets the allowed encryption level associated with the one rule; send a communication to the second computing device indicating that the encryption level associated with the application installed on the second computing device does not meet the allowed encryption level associated with the one rule; receive a confirmation of the communication from the second computing device; and in response to receiving the confirmation, cause at least one action on the second computing device to meet the allowed encryption level associated with the one rule, wherein the at least one action comprises modifying or substituting a software component on the second computing device.
 19. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein determining the context further comprises determining a network being accessed by the second computing device.
 20. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein modifying or substituting the software component includes receiving, by the second computing device, a modified or substitute component from the first computing device. 